Dolly Parton is mourning the loss of her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. The couple had been married for nearly 60 years.
On Instagram, Parton shared the heartbreaking news, thanking fans for their condolences and prayers. She reflected on their long life together, saying, “Carl and I had many wonderful years. The love we shared for over six decades is beyond words.”
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Dean was known for staying out of the spotlight despite his wife’s global fame. His funeral will be private, attended only by immediate family, including Parton and his siblings, Sandra and Donnie. The family has requested privacy and has not disclosed the cause of his passing.
Parton and Dean first met in Nashville in 1964. She had just arrived in town and was adjusting to her new surroundings when Dean noticed her. He called out to her on the street, and she waved back, as was common in her small hometown. That chance meeting led to a conversation where Parton felt something different—Dean was genuinely interested in who she was.
At first, she was cautious and declined to go out with him. Instead, she invited him to sit on her uncle’s porch while she watched his child. He visited daily for a week before she agreed to go on a proper outing. Their bond grew, and Dean quickly knew she was the one.
They married on Memorial Day in 1966 in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia, with only Parton’s mother, Dean’s wife, and the officiating minister present. Over the years, Parton often spoke about how their differences made their relationship strong. While she thrived in a fast-paced career, Dean enjoyed a quiet, private life.
Rumors circulated that Dean was a fictional character because he stayed out of the public eye. Parton always denied this, explaining that he simply preferred to live privately. She respected his choice and made efforts to keep him out of the spotlight.
Dean was also the inspiration for some of Parton’s music. One of her biggest hits, “Jolene,” was based on a bank teller who showed interest in Dean. The name itself came from a young fan Parton met at a performance.
Although they led different lifestyles, their relationship worked. Dean supported Parton’s career from behind the scenes, never asking her to step away from music. She, in turn, respected his need for privacy.
Dean was last seen publicly in 2019 in Brentwood, Tennessee. Now, his loved ones mourn his passing, remembering the life he shared with Parton.